The Fantasy Premier League Triple Captain Conundrum

As Gameweek 9 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) approaches, managers face a tempting decision: should they play their Triple Captain chip on Erling Haaland against Southampton?

With 84.4% of managers yet to use this powerful chip, the allure is strong. Notably, only 31.3% of the top 1,000 managers still have the chip, many having successfully used it in Gameweek 2 when Haaland scored a hat-trick against Ipswich, earning a massive 51 points for those who did.

ENDS SOON! Join the 89% of our members who won their main mini-league last season for an unbelievable £1/month.

👉 Click here now to claim your exclusive £1/month Premium offer! No annual commitment, cancel anytime.

Haaland's Recent Form: A Tale of Two Halves

Midweek saw Haaland remind everyone of his explosive potential, scoring twice against Sparta Prague in the Champions League. This performance has reignited the interest of many FPL managers, making the Triple Captain chip an appealing option.

However, it's important to consider that Haaland has blanked in his last three Premier League matches. This unexpected dry spell, the longest he's gone without a goal in the Premier League, has left many managers questioning his recent form and consistency.

Early Season Dominance vs Recent Dip

Let’s examine Haaland’s performance from the first five gameweeks compared to gameweeks 6 to 8 using the Opta Player Heatmaps tool:

This stark contrast highlights Haaland's recent dip in form, which is understandably concerning for FPL managers considering the Triple Captain chip.

Southampton's Defensive Woes

Southampton's defensive statistics paint a picture of vulnerability to say the least.

In the first eight gameweeks, according to the Opta Stats Sandbox tool, they have conceded 18 goals—an average of over two goals per game—without securing a single clean sheet.

The Prediction Game

With Haaland predicted to score 10.1 points in Gameweek 9, the potential for a huge return with the Triple Captain chip is undeniable. Our Assistant Manager tool recommends that owners consider using the chip, given the unusually high projection for a single gameweek.

The Double Gameweek Dilemma

It's important to remember that there will likely be at least two double gameweeks later in the season. These periods often provide the perfect opportunity to maximise the impact of the Triple Captain chip, potentially offering 180 minutes of play instead of 90.

However, the argument can be made that other chips – such as the Free Hit, Bench Boost, and the new Mystery chip – could be more effectively used during these double gameweeks. This leaves the door open for using the Triple Captain on a single gameweek performer like Haaland.

The Verdict: To Triple Captain or Not?

In the end, the decision to use your Triple Captain chip on Haaland in Gameweek 9 comes down to your risk appetite and overall strategy. While the potential for a massive haul is there, so too is the risk of disappointment.

👉 Click here now to claim your exclusive £1/month Premium offer! No annual commitment, cancel anytime.